Shopping for the right bike can be a difficult process, especially if you don't know precisely what you want or need. Some people get caught up in the wrong places, looking at the simple aesthetics of the bike or flipping through the latest triathlon magazine at Borders to see what cool bike is underneath some professional triathlete in a crystal clear photo. While the bike's look should please you, it is, without question, the last idea on a fairly short list that should dictate your purchase.

First, consider your real budget. Bikes, especially the better brands, can skyrocket in price if you're not careful. If you are new to the sport, be careful not to buy the one with all the bells and whistles when you have yet to prove to yourself that you're going to stick with the triathlon. Nothing could be a worse investment than spending over two thousand dollars for a race or two worth of riding. Instead, set a clear budget that reflects your ability and goals, and never max out that allowance on just the bike itself. You will still need to outfit the bike with pedals, cycling shoes, a helmet, water bottle and cage, speedometer/odometer, etc. These extras can add up, so plan accordingly.

Next, think about the style you want. Most people select a basic road bike, and then upgrade it with features such as aerobars to make it work in a triathlon. The time trial bikes are for more experienced riders who know they will race on generally flat surfaces, and who can cycle in that aero position for an extended time. The majority of average to below average triathletes lack the strength to ride in that manner, thus a road bike is the better bet. Not to mention, the road bike works better for daily training and common hill work.

Finally, check with your local bike shop as to what frame will best suit your body style. Getting the right fit is more important than the brand name or color. If you have the bike custom fit with a computer generated program, you will leave the shop, whether it was a stock model or a personally constructed piece, with a bike that is prepared to maximize your ability.

Therefore, make fit, style, and budget huge priorities and don't get caught up in buying a bike that will look prettiest leaning against the garage. Buy with your brain and your body will thank you for it with each mile.

Although some beginning triathletes perceive the bike to be the easiest portion of a triathlon, casually viewing it as a restful period between a tough swim and difficult run, nothing could be farther from the truth. The fact is that you can entirely alter your race performance with a strong bike; conversely, you can seriously hinder the outcome with a poor cycling section. Truthfully, when it comes to triathlon training, nothing beats time in the saddle.

But, spending training hours on your bike does not always equate with success. Just jumping on and turning those pedals incessantly will not guarantee individual improvement; in fact, unless you pay close attention to how you are riding, you probably won't see the type of progress you deserve.

So, how do you cycle better? First, understand that most people have a dominant cycling leg, as they push harder with one over the other, which creates an imbalance in the pedal stroke. Using one-legged drills on stationary bikes helps to eliminate this problem, so make sure the training you complete addresses the issue of balance in the stroke to maximize your output.

Second, train for the race you intend to ride. Too many people think they need to log endless miles, which is not the case if you plan on doing a sprint triathlon. Likewise, don't focus on speed alone when training for the 180 km of an Ironman. Specify your efforts to reflect what the end result will be.

Finally, address your form on the bike. You must get into the most consistently aerodynamic position as possible while still being able to maximize power. For longer rides, a more upright position is needed to give you better comfort over a long distance, whereas in a shorter time trial you can use the aerobar position to streamline your body and, despite the reduced comfort, decrease the time spent on the bike.

If you work to analyze how you are cycling rather than simply getting out and riding, you will discover that your potential is certainly greater than you imagined. Training isn't always about the time invested, but more about quality injected. Be specific and reflective in your approach, and it will pay off on race day.

Ever think about running in a marathon or triathlon? One of the world's most popular multisport events is the Speight's Coast to Coast in New Zealand. In it, competitors participate in three sports. Running, cycling and kayaking are all a part of this world sporting event.

This is a rigorous event that calls for some heavy-duty training before attempting to participate. Participants must be trained in outdoor survival skills, and I'm not talking camping in your backyard watching the stars. This requires some real wilderness skills, which includes bush craft and river crossing expertise.

In addition to skills, it also requires lots of equipment. Some of the things you'll need are basic survival items such as hats, gloves, knit tops, first aid kits and survival bags. Another thing to remember is that because this is a multisport event, it requires a few different types of footwear.

For the running portion, you'll want to pack a good pair of running shoes. There are races of varying lengths, making it easier for racers of varied levels to participate. A pair of good running shoes should offer good bounce, comfort, durability and breathability.

Since there also will be some climbing and travel over terrain, it would be wise to use a pair of cross country shoes. This way, you have footwear for all types of terrain and are equipped for running. A good pair of cross country shoes should have all the great features of running shoes but with added traction and waterproof protection.

Footwear for kayaking should be lightweight, waterproof and have skid-proof technology. Breathability is also very important, because it can speed the drying process if the kayaking shoes get wet. Skid-proof technology is very important in these types of shoes, because it can become slippery aboard a kayak or other types of boats.

The most important thing to remember when participating in a marathon or triathlon is to be prepared. Sporting events, like the Speight's Coast to Coast, can be very fun and rewarding. However, getting injured or disqualified can take the fun away. Be safe, be prepared and have a blast.

Sources:
http://www.coasttocoast.co.nz/
http://www.kmsevents.com.au/